Snow blankets area

Thursday

The Missouri Department of Transportation advised against traveling area roadways this morning because of a continuing snowstorm.

But if you have to travel, MoDOT spokeswoman Lori Marble offered the following advice: Take it easy.

“We have a new motto this year that goes ‘Ice and snow, take it slow,’ ” she said. “We’re asking people to give themselves a little bit of extra time, and carry a cell phone with them in case they do become stranded. Take some water, take some clothing and blankets and take a cell phone.”

Marble said maintenance crews have been out since about midnight last night, evaluating and salting roads as the storm system moved in. These crews will work continuously throughout the storm in 12-hour shifts to ensure roads are safe.

Additionally, customer service personnel are also working round-the-clock to answer questions about road conditions. For questions about area highway conditions, please call 1-888-275-6636 or go to www.modot.org and click on the MoDOT traveler information map.

At mid-morning, most roadways in the Neosho area were snow-covered, MoDOT reported.

The National Weather Service in Springfield advises that a winter storm warning remains in effect until midnight tonight. Snow spread quickly over Southeast Kansas and Southwest Missouri this morning, and was expected to increase in intensity. Snowfall rates of an inch an hour were predicted, with the heaviest accumulation to be along and southeast of Interstate 44.

“Travel conditions will become hazardous with some blowing and drifting of snow possible along with reduced visibilities,” an update posted on the weather service’s Web site, www.crh.noaa.gov/sgf/.

The snow was expected to continue into the afternoon and early evening hours and end late tonight. Total accumulations of up to eight inches are expected. Winds were expected to switch to the north and become gusty, creating blowing and drifting snow.

“This will limit visibilities during the heavy snow to under a half mile, making for treacherous driving conditions, especially during the afternoon and evening commute,” the weather service warned. “If travel is necessary, consider taking a winter storm kit along with you. This kit should contain such items as tire chains, booster cables, a flashlight, shovel, blankets and extra clothing, and anything else that would help you survive in case you become stranded.”

Neosho Daily News

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